Media Programme
What is the MEDIA Programme?
MEDIA is a support programme of the European Union to strengthen the competitiveness of the European film, TV and new media industries and to increase the international circulation of European audiovisual works.
In November 2006 the European Parliament and the Council adopted a new programme to support and strengthen the European audiovisual sector: MEDIA 2007. The budget for this programme is €755 million over seven years (2007-13).
The MEDIA programme was initiated in 1991 and was previously known as MEDIA I (1991-1995), MEDIA II (1996-2000) and MEDIA Plus (2001-2006).
Like its forerunner, MEDIA 2007 focuses on preproduction and post-production activities (distribution and promotion). However, in contrast to MEDIA II and MEDIA Plus/MEDIA Training, EU funding is now channelled through a single programme.
MEDIA 2007 is divided into five action lines:
- the training of professionals
- the development of production projects (drama, documentary, animation and interactive media)
- the distribution of cinematographic works and audiovisual programmes
- the promotion of cinematographic works and audiovisual programmes, including the support for cinematographic festivals
- horizontal actions/pilot projects
Who can benefit?
Support is available for production companies, distributors, festival organisers, training providers and exhibitors.
What has MEDIA done for the European Audiovisual sector?
- Each year around 50 specialised seminars are organised thanks to MEDIA
- 300 new European film projects are born with MEDIA backing
- Half of the European film distributed or shown on cinema screens benefit from MEDIA support.
- Media supports hundreds of film festivals across Europe each year.